8169 Perry Highway
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Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA) | ||||||
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Epiphany Sunday
A preview of Children of Eden
WORSHIP SERVICE Sunday, January 7, 2007 8:30 & 11:00 A.M.
PRAYER TIME BEFORE WORSHIP: O God, who makes good on your promises and welcomes people to live in hope, it is our joy to worship you this day. Your prophets of old were very wise. Isaiah said, “The people who dwelt in the darkness have seen a great light” and gradually the light became sharper and brighter until the Light himself arrived, Jesus Christ. Micah said the Coming One would be born in Bethlehem and so it was. The Psalmist said, “The Spirit shall rest upon him” and indeed he was full of wisdom and Spirit. And finally the Wise Men came from afar, people from another land, representing those distant places where the Good News would go in years to come. They represent the greater world of your work. In the New Year, 2007, we ask for that same Spirit that guided and filled your Son, that we too might walk and live and do your work in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
PRELUDE (8:30) “The Three Kings” arr. Young
“As with Gladness Men of Old” arr. Wood
SAMPLER FROM THE MUSICAL (11:00) Children of Eden Schwartz
(On this Prayer Sunday, please fill out the prayer card and place it in the offering plate when it is passed.)
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
CALL TO WORSHIP (Isaiah 60)
Leader: Arise, shine – for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
Community: The Lord will arise upon you, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
Leader: Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
Community: Lift up your eyes and look around – they all gather together, they come to you.
Leader: And when they come, they will bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.
All: The child who is born is for the whole world, for all cultures and ethnic groups, all nations and peoples. His reign will have no end.
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN “We Three Kings of Orient Are” No. 66
*PRAYER OF ADORATION AND INVOCATION
UNISON CONFESSION
In these post-Christmas days, O God, we confess that there are situations when words alone are not enough, and something more concrete needs to happen. We give thanks that you used more than words to communicate to us. You came to us as the Word itself, in the person of the child Jesus. You came to touch us and embrace us, to put your healing hands on people to enable them to see and speak again, to remove the demonic from their life. No one surpasses what you are willing to do to reach each one of us. Forgive us when our concern for others has been in words alone and we have failed to take the next step, “pressing the flesh” in some concrete way. In this New Year, use our lives as conduits of your love. May we not only “talk the talk” of our faith, but “walk the walk” as well. In the name of the Christ child we pray. Amen.
SILENT CONFESSION AND & DECLARATION OF PARDON
Leader: Jesus Christ was sent by the Father, the one who knew no sin, so that he
might rescue and save the lost. He came to bring people from darkness
into the light. He came to draw all people unto himself.
Community: He came to embrace those who had lost their way, and to redirect
their steps. In him we are forgiven, cleansed and made whole. Amen.
ANTHEM “Christmas Morn” Zabriskie
Glen Wissner, baritone
KID’S CORNER Karen Reckless
(After Kids Corner, Sue Caputo will be taking the children ages 4-7 to Steps of Faith)
*HYMN “Bring We the Frankincense of Our Love” No. 62
SECOND SCRIPTURE READING Matthew 2:1-12 (N.T. Page 2)
Leader: The word of the Lord.
Community: Thanks be to God.
SERMON “Another Way Home” Dr. David B. Antonson
-3-
*CREED & GLORIA PATRI No. 579
In life and in death, we belong to God. Through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, we trust in the one triune God, the Holy One of Israel, whom alone we worship and serve. We trust in Jesus Christ, fully human, fully God. Jesus proclaimed the reign of God: preaching good news to the poor and release to the captives, teaching by word and deed and blessing outcasts, forgiving sinners and calling all to repent and believe in the gospel. We have been claimed in the waters of baptism and are fed with the bread of life and cup of salvation. (A Brief Statement of Faith, 1990)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER
CALL FOR OUR TITHES & OFFERINGS
OFFERTORY ANTHEM (8:30) “A Savior From on High” Paulus
Glen Wissner, baritone
(11:00) “Beyond Christmas” Fedak
There’s snow on the mountain and ice on the pond; the Wise men are home now in the back of beyond; the shepherds have left us; the heavens are dumb; There’s no one to tell us why Jesus has come. The tree drops its needles, a sign we must go; but the long road to Egypt is covered with snow; And wherever we travel the food will be dear; Who knows what’s before this coming New Year? But God’s in his heaven, and Jesus has come To show every sinner he’s welcome back home, To be this world’s Savior from hunger and fear, And give us new courage to face the New Year.
*OFFERTORY PRAISE & PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Praise God from whom all blessings flow, praise God all creatures here below. Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God above ye heavenly host, Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Alleluia!
*HYMN “Brightest and Best of the Stars of the Morning” No. 67
*BENEDICTION AND RESPONSE
(Are you in need of prayer? If you have a joy, or a concern, or a prayer request and would like to speak to a Stephen Minister, at the 8:30 A.M. service – Jo Shore and John Russell and at 11:00 A.M. service Jean Kennedy and Ed Weaver will be at the front of the sanctuary after the service.)
SAMPLER FROM THE MUSICAL (8:30) Children of Eden Schwartz
POSTLUDE (11:00) “We Three Kings” arr. Held
*All Who Are Able May Stand *****Ushers May Seat Worshippers
THE LIGHTED CANDLE on the communion table reminds us to pray for peace.
GREETERS: 8:30 Betty Fraley, Don Tanner, Don Richards
11:00 Helen Hite, Ed Weaver, Joe Acker
ELDER: 11:00 Larry Anderson
LAY READERS: 8:30 Joanne Zaletsky
11:00 Suzanne Acker
USHERS: 8:30 Terry Fahrney (head usher), Larry Frye, John Sebastian, Bryan Frye
11:00 Jack Swick (head usher), Jerry Fisher, Ron McClymonds, Howard
Womsley
STEPS OF FAITH: Sue Caputo
NORTHMONT OFFERS a well-equipped nursery that is supervised by permanent staff. All worshippers are welcome to use the nursery for infants and preschoolers for all or a portion of each service. When exiting the front doors of the sanctuary, turn right.
*Please turn off your cell phones and pagers.
ON THIS EPIPHANY SUNDAY, when we remember the visit of the Wise Men to the manger in Bethlehem. We greet each of you. The coming of the Wise Men marks the revelation of God’s gift of himself to all people. The season of Epiphany, starting on January 6th continues until Ash Wednesday, and can include from four to nine Sundays.
VISITORS’ GUIDE
WE ARE GLAD you have chosen to worship with us. We invite visitors to sign the friendship register pad. Look for hospitality greeters wearing nametags. To learn more about Northmont Church:
w Take a visitor packet of information from an usher when they are offered.
w Attend Fellowship Time after the 11:00 A.M. service.
w Children are welcome in the nursery.
w We invite you to participate in worship and all other programs we offer.
w Check out our website: www.northmontchurch.org
FOLLOWING WORSHIP please join us for Fellowship Time following the service in Polley Fellowship Hall hosted by the Presbyterian Women Board.
CHANCEL FLOWERS are given in loving memory of Irma J. O’Bryon from Bob and Cathy Koehler and family. Flowers are also given in loving memory of my husband Harold, from Mary Ellen Scott.
A SAMPLER of lyrics and music from “Children of Eden” is being offered today at both the end of the 8:30 A.M. service and the start of the 11:00 A.M. service. This two-act musical play is based on the book by John Caird. It is loosely based on the book of Genesis with act one covering Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel. Act two covers Noah and the flood. First written in 1786 it opened in January 1991 in London’s West End. Tickets are available today in the hallway.
OUR SYMPATHY AS A CONGREGATION goes out to Mary Koepke upon the death of her husband, Howard, who died on Sunday, December 24, 2006. A memorial service was held on Friday, January 5th at Passavant Retirement Community in Zelienople.
WE EXTEND OUR SYMPATHY to Dick Milsom upon the death of his sister-in-law, Agnes Milsom who died on Sunday, December 31st.
OUR MEMBER OF SPECIAL CONCERN: Frank Schwarz – Passavant Retirement Community, 419 S. Main Street, Apt. 163, Zelienople, PA 16063
WORSHIP ATTENDANCE: Dec. 31st: 10:00 A.M. - 205
STEPHEN MINISTER Val Volkman will be making hospital calls this week. If you have a special request, please call her at 412-635-8141.
OUR STEPHEN MINISTRY program has placed blue and white cards in each pew rack entitled “A Great Way You Can Help a Hurting Friend.” Please read this card.
ON PRAYER EMPHASIS SUNDAY PRAYER REQUEST CARDS may be found in each pew rack. Please pick up a card, fill it out with the name of person or a need and it would be helpful to write in your name and phone number. Place your prayer card in the offering plate. A volunteer will be at each door with a plate of cards. Please take a “Prayer Request” as you depart and pray for that person this coming week. Feel free to call them.
PRAYER REQUESTS: Don Frick, Robby Henn, Dean Marko, Critchlow family, Thomas Brungo’s Uncle George, Hazel Eckert, Christopher Kersting, Huck Reel – Ginny Reel’s husband, Ginny Reel
SON Worship Speaker
Jan. 7 Rev. Doyle Snyder
Jan. 14 Dr. David B. Antonson
Jan. 21 Chris Brown
Jan. 28 No SON due to the Congregational meeting
PIPER DEADLINE: January 10, 2007 is the deadline for the February Piper! Reminder – have your article mailed to the editor by noon! piper@northmontchurch.org Please send your articles by e-mail if possible! The church office is not responsible for submitting your article. Please find someone in your group to e-mail your article to the editor. Your article should be sent as an attachment.
TO BE REMEMBERED WITH CARDS AND PRAYERS:
Ed Halboth, The Rehab & Nursing Ctr. at Greater Pgh., 890 Weatherwood Lane,
Greensburg, PA 15601
Ginny Reel, discharged
Lauren Stanko, discharged
Helen Bell, Passavant Hospital
Grace Garver, Passavant Hospital
OUR PARISH ASSOCIATE PASTOR, Dr. Robert Forsythe is having knee replacement surgery this coming Thursday at Passavant Hospital. Our prayers and concerns go with him.
OUR MEMBERS IN THE MILITARY – REMEMBER WITH CARDS AND PRAYERS:
CPL & Mrs. David Potter, 217 Speer Ct., Camp Pendelton, Stuart Mesa, Ocean Side, CA 92054
(Mary Potter’s son and Bernice Dowling’s grandson)
PFC Roach, Justin, C Co. 1st BN 17th IN Regt., Camp Taji, Unit Number 50102, APO AE 09378 –
Jason Elizeus’s cousin
SSG Jonathan Falk, A Co. 1-506 2nd Plt., Camp Corregidor, APO AE 09381 – Art & Lois Groweg’s
Grandson
Sgt. Glen P. Archey, HHT 2-17 CAV (S3), 101st ABN Div., APO AE 09335 – nephew of Ed & Pat
Scullion (prayers only until further notice)
CPL Vaile, Chris, CLB/5 MT 2nd PLT. 73002, FPO AE 09509-3002 (friend of David & Reese Potter’s)
Tickets are now on sale for Northmont’s joint production with Paragon Studios. Children of Eden will be presented here at Northmont January 12, 13, 19 & 20 at 7:30 P.M. and January 14 at 2:30 P.M. All tickets are $10.00. Children of Eden, by Stephen Swartz (Wicked, Godspell) follows humankind from Creation through the flood. The cast consists of 34 actors, including several Northmont members. You can purchase tickets after Sunday services or reserve them by calling Paragon at 412-367-1121. Due to possible sell out shows, please call Paragon if you buy or reserve tickets that you will not need. With stirring music, special effects and recognizable characters, this is a great show for all ages! Children of Eden is directed by Deborah Loffredi.
ATTENTION MEN! Come to the NBC (Northmont Brotherhood Club) meeting each Tuesday morning starting at 8:30 A.M. – donuts, coffee, and fellowship in the kitchen. We meet at 9:00 A.M. in Polley Fellowship Hall. See you there!
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10TH, Oasis and Kids of the Kingdom will resume for the winter term. Pizza supper is at 5:30 P.M., followed by music, Bible Stories, crafts, choirchimes, and boomwhackers. Northmont Kids in grades K-5 and their friends are really welcome! Please bring a few dollars to help defray the costs of the pizza.
NEXT SUNDAY, at 8:30 and 11:00 A.M. we will observe the Baptism of Our Lord by offering to all the opportunity to renew one’s baptismal vows. We will be asking anyone who wishes to come forward and dip their hand in the waters as they are reminded to “remember your baptism.”
GOT THE WINTER DOLDRUMS? Join the Lunch Bunch on Wednesday, January 17th for lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. We will meet at the church at 11:30 A.M. to carpool or at the restaurant at 11:45 A.M. Please contact Betty Harris if you are able to attend. Home: 412-367-3586 or cell: 412-576-0669.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! The celebration to say good-bye to Dave will be held at The Chadwick in Wexford on Saturday, January 27, 2007.
WE ARE GIVING THE CALL for the annual congregational meeting. It will be held on Sunday, January 28, 2007 at approximately 11:00 A.M. following the one worship service at 10:00 A.M. in the Sanctuary. Reports will include the annual election of officers, review of the 2007 session-approved budget, a report from our Reach Out Committee, a report from our Transition Team and a vote to dissolve the ties between the congregation and Dr. Antonson. All active members in good standing may vote.
NORTHMONT CHURCH is helping to support the mission of North Hills Community Outreach by participating in their 2007 Citrus Sale. NHCO provides services to families in Northern Allegheny County who are experiencing crisis, hardship, or poverty. Help a neighbor in need and treat yourself by purchasing fresh, high quality citrus fruit. Large and small boxes of Florida temple oranges and ruby red Indian River grapefruit are being sold, along with Honey Tangerines and two specialty boxes. The Citrus Sampler contains oranges and grapefruit, while the Fresh Trio contains Anjou pears. Order forms are available from Dick Spahr or in the church office.
THE FLOWERS WERE WONDERFUL but they’ve wilted now. You’ve received loads of cards. There aren’t very many visitors anymore. It’s still weeks before you can go back to work. A Stephen Minister would like to listen and care.
HAPPY 90TH BIRTHDAY to former member, Isabelle Hammerstein upon the celebration of her birthday this Tuesday, January 9th! Her address is: 2 Bagger Drive, Zelienople, PA 16063.
DR. & MRS. ANTONSON are leading a tour to Italy called “Highlights Of Italy.” The dates are March 19-29, 2007. Brochures are in the office.
PRODUCT OF THE MONTH FOR NORTH HILLS FOOD BANK: Month of January – Paper Products. All items are very much appreciated, especially monetary donations. Checks should be made out to Northmont U. P. Church – memo-North Hills Food Bank.
Small Group/Spiritual Growth Opportunities
EVERY SUNDAY
After SON Group: 7:00 P.M. in Northmont Library. Contact Bart Roberts (724-933-6065)
EVERY WEDNESDAY
6:00 -7:00 PM A women’s study: “I’m Too Young to be this Old?” led by Kathy Spitz and Liz Hamilton. This group will meet again January 10, 2007.
6:00 – 7:00 PM Dr. Antonson is leading a small group Bible study in the Library. The book is “Parables” by John White.
EVERY THURSDAY
Spirituality and Prayer: Exploring the Way: An Introduction to Spirituality (Exercise in Spirituality) Thursday at 11 a.m. in the Berean Room. Led by Alick Kennedy.
EVERY FRIDAY @ 6:30 PM: Family Friendly – Bring the kids! Bill Baierl 412-367-4693
ADULT BIBLE STUDY – 9:30 A.M.
ADULT BIBLE STUDY: Malawi Room
NEXT WEEK: Isa. 62:1-5; Ps. 36:5-10; 1 Cor. 12:1-11; John 2:1-11
ADULT TOPICS CLASS: Fellowship Hall
TODAY: We return from the holidays with a discussion of Intelligent Design, Evolution and Creationism. Please join us then for consideration of this controversial topic.
FOUNDATIONS: Led by Rev. Doyle Snyder Berean Room
The class returns to its regular schedule today at 9:45 A.M. We are considering how the Bible came to be and will soon look at introductions to each of the 66 books of Holy Scripture, which is our truly fascinating and very helpful treasure. Welcome.
* * * * *
Pastor: Rev. Dr. David B. Antonson
Pastor Emeritus: Rev. Dr. Stephen L. Polley
Parish Associate Pastors: Rev. Alick Kennedy and Rev. Dr. Robert Forsythe
Organist and Director of Music: C. William Goff
Youth Director: Sean Kelly
Seminary Intern: Chris Brown
Office Manager: Linda Allerton
Church Secretary: Rose Dragan
Church Treasurer: Lynn Merriman
Custodians: Colin Baldwin, Jr. and Patty Sopouchak
Northmont Child Development and Preschool Center:
Director: Margot Plant and Assistant Director: Jan Moreland
Global Mission Partnerships with:
Our Mission Family currently serving in the Middle East
Michael & Rachel Weller Family serving in Ethiopia
* * * * * *
Calendar for the Week:
January 7 – January 13, 2007
Sunday, January 7:
8:30 & 11:00 AM Worship
9:30 AM Sunday School
4:00 PM Jr. High Youth Group Fellowship Hall
4:00 PM PLC Meeting Malawi Room
6:00 PM SON Service Sanctuary
6:30 PM AA Fellowship Hall
7:00 PM Sr. High Youth Group Youth Lounge
7:00 PM Play Rehearsal Sanctuary
Monday, January 8:
9:30 AM PW Board Meeting Malawi Room
1:30 PM Staff Meeting Library
6:30 PM Youth Committee Youth Lounge
7:00 PM Christian Education Committee Bible Study Room
7:00 PM Boy Scouts Fellowship Hall
7:00 PM Play Rehearsal Sanctuary
Tuesday, January 9
8:30 AM NBC Fellowship Hall
9:30 AM Sarah Circle Malawi Room
6:30 PM Staff Relations Berean Room
7: 00 PM Play Rehearsal Sanctuary
7:30 PM Boy Scout Committee Meeting Fellowship Hall
7:30 PM Esther Circle Malawi Room
Wednesday, January 10:
9:30 AM Knitters Malawi Room
4:30 PM Roots Youth Lounge
5:30 PM Oasis Fellowship Hall
6:30 PM Transition Team Pastor’s Study
7:00 PM Play Rehearsal Sanctuary
7:15 PM Leadership Committee Library
7:30 PM Choir Westminster Room
7:30 PM SON Search Committee Malawi Room
Thursday, January 11:
11:00 AM Spirituality & Prayer Berean Room
7:00 PM Stewardship Committee Library
7:00 PM Play Rehearsal Sanctuary
7:15 PM Stephen Ministry Berean Room
3:45 PM Belles Westminster Room
7:30 PM Play Sanctuary
Saturday, January 13:
7:30 PM Play Sanctuary